Drama
United States of America
American Skin is a drama film directed by Nate Parker. The film follows the story of Lincoln Jefferson (played by Nate Parker), a Marine veteran who works as a school janitor and is trying to rebuild his relationship with his 14-year-old son, KJ (played by Tony Espinosa).
However, their relationship is shattered when KJ is killed by a white police officer during a routine traffic stop. Despite overwhelming evidence and eyewitness testimony, the officer is found innocent without standing trial, leaving Lincoln frustrated and hopeless.
Determined to seek justice for his son, Lincoln takes matters into his own hands and stages a peaceful protest at the police station where the officer works. The protest eventually turns into a standoff, and Lincoln takes the officer and several others hostage. He demands a live broadcast with a news anchor and states his case to the world.
American Skin explores themes of systemic racism, police brutality, and the grief and trauma that parents who lose children to violence face. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 and received mixed reviews. Some praised its powerful message and performances, while others criticized its heavy-handed approach.
